Destinations > Ireland > Leinster > County Kilkenny

County Kilkenny

County Kilkenny is wedged between Counties Carlow, Laois, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford and the county town, Kilkenny is the star attraction drawing travellers from around the world for its castle and medieval streetscape.

Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh)

Kilkenny is one of the most visited towns in southeast Ireland. It is a charming town with narrow streets dating from Norman and medieval times plus a big castle and a world-famous brewery.

Practical Information

Kilkenny Tourist Information Centre

Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny

Tel (056) 51500

Website www.kilkennytourism.ie

Open Jan-Mar Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Apr-Jun Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-1pm & 2pm-5pm; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-1pm & 2pm-5pm; Sep Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-1pm & 2pm-5pm; Oct-Dec Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Apr-Jun Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

Coming & Going

Both buses and trains leave from the station on Dublin Road, which is accessible by walking across the river and up John Street. Buses go to Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Rosslare and Waterford and trains stop in Kilkenny en route between Dublin and Waterford.

Accommodation

Foulksrath Castle Youth Hostel

Jenkinstown, County Kilkenny

Tel (056) 776 7674

Kilkenny Tourist Hostel

35 Parliament Street, Kilkenny

Tel (056) 63541

Macgabhainns Backpackers Hostel

24 Vicar Street, Kilkenny

Sights

Black Abbey

The Holy Trinity Church (known as the Black Abbey) was founded in the 13th century by the Dominican Order. This beautiful church is noted for its intricate stained glass windows.

Abbey Street, Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

This 12th century castle was home to the wealthy Butler family from 1391 to 1935 and was extensively remodeled during Victorian times. It features a 45m-long portrait gallery with fine paintings and tapestries, plus rooms decorated in the style of the 1830s. Admission is by guided tour only.

The Parade, Kilkenny

Tel (056) 772 1450

Website www.heritageireland.ie

Tours cost €5 (€2 students)

Open Jan-Mar 10.30am-12.45pm & 2pm-5pm daily; Apr-May 10.30am-5pm daily; Jun-Aug 9.30am-7pm daily; Sep-Dec 10.30am-12.45pm & 2pm-5pm daily

Rothe House

Merchant Prince John Rothe built this Tudor town house in 1594. The house contains a heritage centre with exhibits relating the town's history.

Parliament Street, Kilkenny

Tel (056) 77 2893

Website www.kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie

Admission €3 (€2 students)

Open Jan-Feb Mon-Sat 1pm-5pm; Mar-Oct Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 3pm-5pm; Nov-Dec Mon-Sat 1pm-5pm

Smithwick's Brewery

Ireland's oldest brewery produces Budwiser, Kilkenny and Smithwick's beer at this large brewery near St Francis Abbey on Parliament Street. During summer you can take a tour, which concludes with a couple of free pints.

Parliament Street, Kilkenny

Tel (056) 21014

Admission free, but you need to get a ticket in advance

Tours Jul-Aug Mon-Fri 3pm

St Canice's Cathedral

This Anglican cathedral is Ireland's second-longest medieval cathedral. Most of the building dates from the 13th century and it is noted for the 30.5m-high 9th-century Round Tower where monks once took refuge. Nowadays the brave can climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city.

Irishtown, Kilkenny

Tel (056) 776 4971

Admission Round Tower €2 (€1.50 students)

Open Jan-Easter Mon-Sat 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Sun 2pm-4pm; Easter-Oct Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm, Sun 2pm-6pm; Oct-Dec Mon-Sat 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Sun 2pm-4pm